In the novel “Empire of Wild” by Cherie Dimaline, a trio of women across generations grapple with freeing their loved one from the clutches of the werewolf-like Rogarou to rescue a missing husband and safeguard their territory from corporate interests. This gritty, sensual, and intense narrative rose to prominence in 2019 as Indigo’s top book, surpassing renowned works like Margaret Atwood’s “The Testaments” and Taylor Jenkins Reid’s “Daisy Jones & The Six.”
A significant investment of around $4 million is underway to transform this Indigenous-themed book into an opera, with an Indigenous-led creative team at the helm. The world premiere is scheduled for next spring in Toronto, aiming to attract a younger audience and opera newcomers while challenging traditionalists favoring the classical repertoire.
Set in the Georgian Bay Métis community of Penetanguishene, Ontario, where author Cherie Dimaline hails from, “Empire of Wild” resonates with composer Ian Cusson, who recognized elements of the Rogarou from his childhood stories. Both creators sought to craft relatable modern characters for contemporary audiences, infusing the narrative with everyday dialogue, including profanity and humor, to enhance its appeal.
In the heart of the story lies themes of power, resistance, and resilience as Joan, the protagonist, navigates the mysterious disappearance of her husband amidst industrial interests encroaching on her land. The intertwining of old magic and intergenerational support along matrilineal lines forms a crucial aspect of the narrative, drawing from Métis folklore while showcasing a diverse cast of talent.
Indigenous artists portraying these characters bring forth a universal truth of resilience and survival, encapsulating the concept of “survivance” in Indigenous culture. The opera’s Indigenous-led production emphasizes the importance of diverse voices in artistic creation, fostering an inclusive and collaborative approach that Cusson envisions as a model for future opera productions.
Through the fusion of traditional storytelling with contemporary opera, “Empire of Wild” stands as a testament to Indigenous creativity and artistic expression, embodying a new era of Indigenous excellence across various fields. The inclusive and egalitarian spirit of this production reflects a transformative approach to artistry that Cusson aims to see replicated in the broader opera landscape.
